JOY THE JELLYFISH by Kristen Collier

"An adorably illustrated book well written to help the young child to deal with issues of making friends." ~ Pantherhawk Reviews (2008) FIVE STARS

"I just got my copy of JOY THE JELLYFISH from Amazon. I was originally attracted by the illustrations, which is why I ordered it. When I got my copy, I reveled in the text. I love the repetition phrase and I love the message. These are stories that you really want your children to have because they deal with esteem issues and distance them by using fish. I love it!" ~ Susan Berger, children's book author (2008) FIVE STARS

"JOY THE JELLYFISH is a sweet story about friendship and how to overcome shyness in order to make friends. The prose and dialog are engaging and the brightly colored illustrations captivating. This is a book that will make a fine, delightful gift to any child, not only because of its beautiful artwork and engaging plot, but also because it teaches the different animals which inhabit the great barrier reef. This book is the first collaboration between talented illustrator Kevin Scott Collier and his author wife, Kristen. I hope this book will not be their last and I certainly look forward to more children's picture books from this winning team." ~ Mayra Calvani for Midwest Book Review (2008) FIVE STARS

"Captivating illustrations keep you entranced while reading about Joy's lessons in friendship." ~ Pantherhawk Reviews (2008)

"Joy is a lonely little jellyfish looking for a friend. She travels far and wide, seeing many creatures but none to be her friend. Until she meets Bella the whale. This is a delightful story with wonderful illustrations that will please children of any age and the moral is included in such a way the child will not be aware of it. It is a book that children will want to read or have read to them more than once. I'm pleased to highly recommend this book to any parent to give to their child. It can be used to spend happy time as child and parent read and enjoy the colorful illustrations." ~ Mary Emmons (2008)

"This story is cute and engaging. I love the illustrations and the message is a good one. When you make yourself friendly people are more likely to want to be your friend... I would recommend this book to teach a child who is not outgoing and a bit timid how to reach out and make friends. This would be a great tool to illustrate that point." ~ Michelle Sutton (2008)

"JOY THE JELLYFISH wants a friend, but she's invisible to the other creatures in the sea. She's also very shy, which makes it difficult for her to talk to the animals that live in the Great Barrier Reef with her. She's so lonely that one day, she decides to go in search of a friend. She smiles shyly at each animal she meets, hoping to be their friend, but the anemone doesn't see Joy. The seahorses turn up their noses at her. The Great White Shark swims away. Will no one be her friend? Then Joy meets a ghostlike creature that has an answer to her problem. Oh no! I'm not telling, but children will be delighted by Joy's discovery of the 'secret of true friendship.' The playful illustrations, with bright-eyed sea creatures, complement Ms. Collier's tale of friendship. It is a lovely book that young children will want to read or have read to them over and over. A nice story for bedtime or for anytime." ~ Beverly Stowe McClure (2008)

"JOY THE JELLYFISH is lonely. Her greatest wish is to have a friend. Unfortunately, she is nearly invisible so no one seems to see her. Those that do see her are afraid. Traveling far into the cold depths of the ocean, Joy meets Bella Beluga. Bella tells Joy that she has to stop being so shy. That in order to make a friend she has to be a friend. Joy the Jellyfish is a sweet story with a great lesson. Sometimes we all feel a little shy and invisible. Joy and Bella show us the way." ~ Dr. Tami Brady for TCM Reviews (2007) FIVE STARS

"I loved the book after the first reading. It's more than a nice story of friendship. It's a feel good kind of book for character education, self esteem and self confidence. I can see teachers using the book in their classrooms as it covers the Six Traits of Writing perfect to show examples of word choice, voice, and ideas. Those word choices can be used for introducing vocabulary science words, as part of the Words Their Way program for sorting and word choice. Teachers are always looking for fiction titles to go with curriculum - Joy fits the bill for ocean biomes and introducing ocean animals. I can't wait to see more in this series of JOY THE JELLYFISH." ~ Ellen Gedeon, Instructor at Grand Haven Area Public Schools (2007)

"I just LOVE this picture book. It's so colorful and inviting. What child wouldn't want to grab it right off a shelf, curl up in his mother's lap, and listen to the wonderful story? This is bound to be a hit!" ~
Sharlene MacLaren, Christian Novelist (2007)

"I wanted to say how happy you two look in the pictures, and wish you much joy in your life and much joy with JOY THE JELLYFISH, too!" ~ Mary Cunningham, author of the "Cynthia's Attic" (2007)

"The storyline is terrific and the illustrations are amazing! I will be buying this for my sister-in-law’s little girl for Christmas." ~ Debbie Botham of the Fellowship of Christian Writers (2007)